When I first met this amazing family back in October, they were a family of three and had just found out that they were expecting a new bundle of joy. Daddy was deploying within a week and half and they were moving back home for a while.
Fast forward to now, daddy got to come home and see Oliver for around 30 hours before he had to go back. I was overjoyed when she reached out to me to see if I was available to take Oliver’s newborn portraits.
He was a little over a week old during his newborn session. He took a little convincing, but he did settle and allow me to capture some amazing moments!
Oliver is even cute when he cries. MJ’s Photography | Weston lakes newborn photography
Since Daddy is in the Army, we had to include some military poses. Big sister Abigail had some done the same way when she was a newborn.
Have you heard of a Cake Smash session? There are a lot of trends that come and go, but a Cake Smash session is here to stay. I am a Cypress baby photographers and I love doing Cake Smash Sessions. I typically schedule them when the baby is around 11 months old. That way they are done by the time the Birthday party is thrown!
Here’s how Cake Smash sessions go down at MJ’s Photography |cypress first birthday portrait
MJ -cypress first birthday portrait
We plan a theme. Since most of my Cake Smash sessions are of clients who are part of my “grow with me” plan, meaning I have done their newborn portraits and 6 & 9 month milestones, we usually already have a consistent theme going with their little one. I do get new clients that come in just for their Cake Smash session, in that case we put together some ideas. I am more of a simple background kind of photographer, so I stick to the basics. What colors do they want? What theme is their birthday party going to be done in? I provide most of the props, such as the large number 1, the things for them to sit on, the background banner that displays O-N-E, and some other accessories. Of course lots of parents choose to bring more and that is completely ok!
cypress first birthday portrait – MJ
We plan outfits for their Cake Smash session. I allow a couple outfit changes. We usually do one outfit before the cake, that way we can get an “official” first birthday portrait. Then we change them into their “cake smash outfit.” For girls, some opt for the tutu and necklace look, a romper, or a cute onsie with a number 1 displayed. For boys, my favorite option is the shorts with suspenders and a little hat! Some other cute options are bloomers and a matching bow tie, or just a diaper cover. Again, less is more.
cypress first birthday portrait- MJ
Parents bring the cake for the Cake Smash session. The main reason for this is because of allergies. Each baby is different and it is safer if the parent brings the cake. I am big on baby safety whether it is a newborn portrait or a cake smash session. Most opt for the smaller cake. There is not need for a huge cake to make it a success. You want to bring the cake at room temperature, that way it is easier to dig into. Of course, living in Texas, this is never a problem! Colors to avoid? Red. Why? It is so hard to clean off of them and leaves them with a skin dye for a little while. For icing, avoid fondant-it is really hard to break into and can create a choking hazard.
Can I just assume that my baby will dig in? No. Not all babies will. My daughter wanting nothing to do with the cake and avoided it at all costs. Some do that. She also had never had cake before. Babies are hesitant with new textures, so give them a little practice run before with a small cupcake, this will help.
Lastly, make sure to bring wet wipes, extra clothes, and plan on giving your little one a good bath when they get home! There will be cake everywhere, but that’s the whole point of a Cake Smash session!
Cake smash sessions are a blast. It is such an amazing way to capture their personalities for their first birthday. I love photographing first birthdays. So much personalities in such little babies! The only problem with cake smash sessions is, WHY DIDN’T THEY COME AROUND SOONER! I wish I had one of myself ha ha!
I am a Cypress maternity photographer. When my little sister told me she was pregnant, my first thought was, “Maternity Session!!!!” We decided to do something a little different and head to downtown Austin. It is around an 3 from Cypress, not to far. She was 36 weeks at her maternity session. We had her session scheduled for a Wednesday, she called me on that Monday and stressed that she needed her session tonight. As in that day. I moved some appointments around and we went to Austin to do her maternity session. She started having contractions at the end of the session. She went into labor that NIGHT and had Kannon the next morning! When you know, you know! I am so glad we were able to get her maternity session done!
Below is one of the street shots in downtown Austin from her Maternity Session. She is in one of my favorite gowns from Couture Parfait. Check out her shop below, let her know that I sent you 😉
Are you looking for a maternity photographer in Katy? Let’s talk about photographing your baby bump!
You should try to book your maternity session before 20 weeks, to make sure I have availability! I only book a certain number of maternity sessions a month. Ideally maternity sessions take place between 30-34 weeks. Once you hit 36 weeks, swelling tends to come up, as well as being tired! Some mommas do go earlier than 40 weeks, so 30-34 is usually safer.
I have a large collection of couture gowns and dresses for you to use for your session. You are welcome to do your maternity portraits in studio or outdoors. Most maternity clients want to order custom wall art for their home, so I want it to be perfect for you!
All maternity sessions can include your family! Professional hair and makeup is included for you, as well as use of gowns and dresses! This session is mainly about you and your pregnancy bump, but I love capturing your family with you. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you want it to be perfect, let me create these for you.
After your maternity session, we will go over your gorgeous images together and select which product suites your needs best. From custom wall art, heirloom albums, and gorgeous printed products, we will find what is best for you.
I am a Baby photography sugar land tx who enjoys photographing 1st Birthdays! What’s harder than having a toddler? Having two toddlers of course! I was honored to be chosen as their photographer in the Sugar Land and Houston area to capture their First Birthday. Ezra and Enzo were a joy to photograph. Ezra was as fast as lighting, while Enzo would take his time getting from A to B. Photographing them in the same shot took a little bit of work, but we got amazing portraits of both of the Birthday boys. Two completely different personalities in two adorable little boys! Their daddy is currently deployed and he is scheduled to come back soon! I know they are all ready to be back together.
Of course we had to get a couple portraits of them in the Bluebonnets! They are on a perfect piece of land around the Killeen Texas area. There are quite a few fields of them in the Killeen and Temple area, you just have to be on the lookout! I just love these of the boys!
*Ezra and Enzo in the Bluebonnets-MJ’s Photography- Baby photography sugar land tx
Mommy even ordered some cute shirts for their First Birthday portrait session! Remember how I said they moved at different speeds? This is how we got some of them together, a crate! <3 By the end, mommy, grandma, and myself were tired. The boys…not so much 😉
MJ does Newborn photography katy tx. I was scrolling through a moms group on Facebook one evening when I saw a post by a mother who had delivered her baby girl at 26 weeks. I had just recently moved to the area and didn’t know a lot of people, but I saw her post and I knew instantly that I wanted to offer to drive to Austin from Katy, Texas to photograph sweet Fay in the NICU. Right away Krystal responded with a yes! There were only certain times that Fay could be held. At 1 pound, you can imagine how fragile she was. If I am remembering correctly, it was around 11:30am when I got there. I remember scrubbing in to go into the NICU, talking to Fay’s dad beforehand, and then the first time I saw her. She was so tiny. She looked like a Barbie doll. But oh was she beautiful. I could see the personality in her right away! When Krystal finally got to hold her sweet girl, she busted into tears, which I did capture. What you don’t see, is me crying as well. I enjoy photographing newborns, this was a first for me.
Fay’s mom, Krystal, wrote a little bit about Fay’s story.
“Fay was born March 17, 2015 weighing only 1 lb 13 oz and 13 inches long. She was born at 26 weeks which is 14 weeks early. She spent 98 days in the NICU at St. Davids Medical Center in Austin. During that time she had 4 blood transfusion, was brought back to life on day 2, had a tear in her esophagus, was on a c-pap, NG tube to help her eat, got staff, and scolding skin. Fay stayed strong and on June 22, 2015 she came home. After bringing her home she had 3-4 doctors appointments a day until December of 2015. Fay had a NG tube(feeding tube) placed placed in September due to the fact that she was not growing as much as she should. After going through many different tests and seeing multiple doctors, the conclusion was made that Fay was going to be a slow growing baby. She would only gain 6-8 grams a day (average 20-30 grams a day) and had the NG tube removed. Now during all of this Fay has grown and developed beyond what anyone thought she ever would. She is eating one her own, crawling, has one doctors appointment a week, and is slowly catching up with babies her age. Some of her favorite things to do are feeding herself, chasing her two dogs around the house, getting into whatever she can, splashing in the bath, being read and sang to, and most of all she loves exploring the world around her. It truly is a blessing to get to watch her grow and become her own person.”
Newborn photography katy tx
Newborn photography katy tx
Newborn photography katy tx
Newborn photography katy tx
Newborn photography katy tx
I had kept in contact with them after the session and we discussed her newborn session. I was so excited to be her Newborn photography katy tx. After Fay’s 98 days in the NICU, she finally came home. That very next day, they brought her to my in-home studio for her newborn portrait session. I was overjoyed to see her and enjoyed her session so much! I finally got to hold her!
Newborn photography katy tx
Newborn photography katy tx
Fast forward to now. I was honored to be chosen as the Newborn photography katy tx to capture Fay’s First Birthday portraits. She was born on St. Patricks day, which you will see in her portraits. We took them in a gorgeous field in Katy, Texas. She is 14 pounds and doing great!
Here are some images from her First Birthday and Cake smash session!
What is the thing that helps us remember our childhood? Portraits. What is the one thing we hold on to when we lose someone? Our family portrait. It is so important to get photos as a family, but I think there is one thing that we forget. We need pictures of our children with their grandparents. Not only are our children getting older, but so are our parents. We need to make sure to take the time to get those very special portraits with them as well. We need something to pass down to our children when they are grown.
Katy family photographers
I took my own advice and dedicated a shoot for my Mother in law, Kay, and my daughter, Emma Lyn. They had a lot of fun and I am so glad they we captured these priceless moments. It is so important to get Family Portraits.
My daughter is now 7 and I adore going back to these images and seeing the bond that they have always had. Both have gotten older, but their bond has gotten stronger.
After London, we flew to the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam. There were so many beautiful things about this city. Flower shops are everywhere, its quite a site. Fresh flowers line the streets.
I was so shocked at the amount of people who bike there. They definitely rule the roads there. I will never again complain about loading my child into the carseat of my car in Killeen and going grocery shopping. These mommas head to the grocery store, kids in tow on the bike…while it’s raining!!! Then their groceries either hang on the handlebars or sit in a basket on the front. Did I mention it was like 30 degrees and raining. Wow. Hats off.
Jordan and I did a lot of walking. We walked the streets up and down. Some people live on boats in the river. House boats. I was amazed, I have never seen this. Of course I had to photograph it. Nice and neat, tucked away.
House Boats in Amsterdam-Cypress tx family photographerRiver in Amsterdam-Cypress tx family photographer
We also ventured into the Red light district…I had to see it, just for a moment. No pictures are allowed there of course. I walked the street once and was done. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, as well as weed. So if you didn’t know already, that is the basis of the Red light district. A whole different world that my mind cannot comprehend.
One of the most memorable sites that we saw was the Anne Frank house. The line wraps around the building, so if you decide to go, buy online. When we went inside, it’s like a time capsule. You are instantly taken back to the 1940s and you feel a lot of emotions. The house where they hid has been kept exactly like it was, unfurnished by the wishes of Otto Frank, but even the magazine clippings that Anne had hung are still there. If you ever go to Amsterdam, this site is a must. Pictures are not allowed inside, but below I will post an iPhone picture of the outside.
Anne Frank house-Cypress tx family photographer
Anne Frank house-Cypress tx family photographer
Here are some more random photos that I took. I hope you enjoy them!
To read more about Amsterstam, below is a link.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam
Amsterdam streets-Cypress tx family photographer
Want to book a session? Click the link below to see my website and message me!
Every couple of years my husband and I decide to travel. Most of the time it is throughout Europe, this time was no different, but of course we traveled to different places.
We started our trip by flying to London. We stayed 3 nights total. It was everything I imagined. Beautiful city! If you ever have the chance to go, do! Of course the first thing you notice is the cars traveling on the opposite side of the road and the vehicles have the steering wheel on the opposite side as well. Every time we crossed the street, I was so confused!
We visited some amazing sites while we were there. The Tower of London was an all day affair. It was fantastic. In the states, we don’t have things that date back that far, so it is always amazing to see them in person. It dates back to to 1078AD. Insane! It was used as a prison for a while and you could see the markings people left while being detained. Prayers, pleads, confessions of innocence, you name it.
Here is an picture I took just as the sun had set.
Tower of London-Houston Photographer
Here is one of the torture methods they used at the Tower of London. It was a stretcher…
Torture equipment at the Tower of London
Ravens are seen all throughout the Tower of London. They are not afraid and come quite close. Their presence is traditionally believed to protect the crown and the tower; a superstition holds that “if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravens_of_the_Tower_of_London (for more information)
We also walked around the city streets in London. Westminster is a popular place to go. It is known as the Parliament of the UK. Of course it also has Buckingham palace, where the royal family lives! I didn’t take any professional images, but we of course snapped some selfies 😉
MJ does Houston newborn photos. I live for the sweet baby poses. I had the honor of taking Tyler’s newborn portraits. He was 8 days old at the time of his shoot. His big sister, Emma, is two and was amazing for newborn and sibling shots.
He wasn’t having the sleeping part at the beginning, but I love awake shots just as much as those sleepy poses. If you do not know how to swaddle, learn! It is so important for those times where baby just wants to be awake. Embrace it. He was awake for a good solid hour. We went ahead and did sibling shots, family shots, and then moved on to swaddled poses.
Baby Tyler was awake for a good portion of his Newborn session. How could you not love those eyes? Houston newborn photos
Newborn photography is unpredictable. You can have a plan, but that doesn’t mean you will get to follow it. The babies run the show, we just follow their lead. You have to learn to be able to adapt to any situation and learn how to pose each individual baby. Once Tyler fell asleep, he let me pose him whichever way I wanted. So we did around 5 poses in 30 minutes. Just in time for him to have to go, if you know what I mean, and wake himself up!
Here is one of my favorite shots from Tyler’s newborn portrait session at my in home studio in Houston Texas. The taco pose. This pose is no easy task, if you have tried it, then you know!
Tyler’s newborn portraits. The taco pose. Newborn photography tyler tx
Another helpful tip. Do not get frustrated or stressed. The newborn can sense this and it will only make matters worse. Stay calm, play white noise, keep it warm, and if all else fails, swaddle them up!
Here are some more images from Tyler’s newborn session. I love changing out wraps and poses.
Houston newborn photos
Most of all. Remember to be safe. No pose is worth the risk.
I am a Weston lakes family photographer in the houston area. I love capturing those special moments that cannot be relived! Have you ever watched a military homecoming? Even if it wasn’t your own family, the emotions were soaring. You put yourself into their shoes and you feel what they feel. You start thinking about the past 9 months and how different your own life would have been, if this had been you.
If you haven’t watched one, there is a television series about it called “Coming Home” on Lifetime. Watch it, you will feel the emotion!
The Gregory’s Homecoming was located at Fort Hood, Texas. Andrew left when baby Jack was just 2 months old. He is now almost 11 months old and walking! What a change! This family gave a huge sacrifice. Dad missed these 9 months of Jack’s life. We know how fast little one’s grow in that first year, the milestones that they achieve. Mom had to be a single parent to a newborn and run everything back on the home front. Thank goodness for facetime and skype, but it is not the same. Don’t forget to thank a soldier.
She sees him! He is running!
Oh nooo…he ran the wrong way!
Holding Jack after 9 months!
First family picture after 9 months!
Baby Jack has his daddy back.
They are complete once again.
Want to book a session? Want your homecoming photographed?
